The Importance of Writing Skills: How to Be an Effective Leader and Communicator
Introduction
Writing consists of more than 70 percent of the world's communication. The major contributor to this is the widespread use of new communication technologies such as mobile phones, messaging, social sites, and email. You now can see why the importance of writing skills in leaders is deemed necessary.
Although information can be passed on through videos and podcasts such as Skype, a leader will at some point be required to communicate through writing memos or emails. Writing skills still, play a vital role in leadership as a poor writer will demonstrate to the employees.
Save your time!
We can take care of your essay
- Proper editing and formatting
- Free revision, title page, and bibliography
- Flexible prices and money-back guarantee
Relationship between Grammar and Writing
Most of those campaigning against writing skills often refer to grammar and spelling only. They must be tired of teachers telling them that they will not get an A if they do not work on their poor grammar.
However, we must take two things into account. First, grammar and spelling exist to facilitate effective communication and not just to make life difficult. Minor mistakes increase the chance of destroying your career. Also ignoring the rules makes audiences misunderstand you frequently.
Second, writing is not just about grammar; it also involves the use of tone, punctuation, and style. It is vital to consider your choice of words to engage your audience and influence them. A leader should not just put together a bunch of words; instead, he should send his ideas, influence, and shine through the words.
Attributes of good writing
1. Precision
The following two sentences will help bring out this:
- The cat jumped on the couch and fell asleep
- The black cat jumped on the couch and kneaded the couch as if in a trance before coiling itself in a near circle for sleep.
Both these sentences are grammatically correct, but one is superior and helps the reader to create imagery. Good writing involves knowing your writing style and tone by using descriptive language and logical arrangement of points.
Precision is controlling how others perceive you and your message. Whether you are emailing employees or delivering your message by word of mouth, you must be able to manipulate the opinion of the audience. It will ensure they understand your personality, plans, and passions.
2. Accuracy
You cannot achieve good writing by the delivery of false information and claims that do not have support. Leadership and communication move together, it does not make one a good leader if he asks others to follow blindly.
As a leader, you should thoroughly research and consult with others. it will help you adjust quickly in case the facts pointed to a different conclusion.
3. Precision
Attention to grammar in writing reflects attention to details in practical performance. While leaders are big-picture thinkers who perceive the grand vision of the future, they must understand that smaller steps are required to attain a bigger goal.
It calls for a commitment to excellence all through the writing process. It is crucial that you invest extra time to ensure you have correctly capitalized the title and also used the right words. it will help you be patient and keen on little things.
4. Openness
It requires one to avoid complicated long sentences but instead uses powerful, simple, short sentences. Understandable sentences can be powerful and depict honesty in a leader. Never use a long sentence where you can replace it with a short one.
Written communication plays a vital role in communication
It may seem like social media; apps such as Skype and mobile have diverted communication to audio and video decreasing written communication. However, it is the opposite. Decades ago, people relied on phone calls to talk to partners, friends, and family.
Currently, we can get just an instant message or email them. Press releases, reports, websites, e-books, applications, emails, and newsletters are all written communication. As a leader, this brings out the importance of writing skills as you have to make your material stand out from competitors.
A leader should know how to write to different audiences. The messages vary depending on writing styles, focus, and approaches. It ensures you are flexible in your writing and communication without losing the core message.
Besides, there are writings you will send to team members. A good piece has the power to unify and inspire while a bad piece can distort your authority and may disrespect other employees.
Poor writing skills ruin your reputation and credibility
Am sure you have come across all the bad jokes and memes that go around the internet due to grammar and spelling errors in an online published work. Although most of them seem rude and too silly to be taken seriously, am sure you have at one point been put off just by bad writing.
It is not just about the presence of a mistake, but the error makes the text hard to understand or read. Leaders must, therefore, be keen as you may damage your credibility by not being clear. You even may end up unwillingly offending your audience
To be seen as a leader, you require a certain level of expertise in your writing skills. It is essential as you are expected to have a higher level of expertise, experience, and qualification.
Take time to read articles and pieces from other people in a similar leadership position or one which you aspire to be. It will significantly help you in evaluating your writing and will help you to set a realistic standard.
In conclusion
Writing skills are a must for one to be an effective leader. Technology has made writing even more significant by increasing the amount of writing required in a day. If you want to be considered a leader in your field, you must dominate in good writing.
You should ensure you eliminate any instance of being misunderstood. Your primary purpose is to give direction and influence your team or clients.
Do not ignore the importance of writing skills to your career. You can either join a one-on-one class, take online courses or try the available apps. Remain consistent and optimistic knowing that this is an additional life challenge.
Stuck on your essay?
